Eyewear use detection

ABSTRACT

Eyewear including a support structure defining a region for receiving a head of a user. The support structure supports optical elements, electronic components, and a use detector. The use detector is coupled to the electronic components and is positioned to identify when the head of the user is within the region defined by the support structure. The electronic components monitor the use detector and transition from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation when the use detector senses the head of the user in the region.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/475,090 filed on Sep. 14, 2021, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/215,785 filed Dec. 11, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No.11,163,155, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/611,111, filed Dec. 28, 2017, allof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to detecting wheneyewear is being worn by a user and controlling eyewear functionalitybased on the detection.

BACKGROUND

Many portable devices designed to be worn by a user utilize electroniccomponents to perform various functions. The electronic components aretypically powered by a battery. As the electronic components consumepower, charge on the battery quickly diminishes. Thus, the user mustfrequently recharge the battery in order to continue using the portabledevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an eyewear example including electroniccomponents and a support structure supporting the electronic components,the support structure defining a region for receiving a portion of ahead of a user.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the eyewear of FIG. 1A illustrating anotherregion defined by the eyewear for receiving at least a portion of thehead of the user wearing the eyewear.

FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the eyewear in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of an example of the electronic componentssupported by the eyewear of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a close-up partial view of the frame of the eyewear in FIG. 1Cdepicting a flexible printed circuit board routed through the frame.

FIG. 3A is another close-up partial view of the eyewear in FIG. 1Cdepicting a flexible printed circuit board routed to a capacitive probein a nose pad.

FIG. 3B is series of illustrations depicting an example of steps formanufacturing the eyewear depicted in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is another close-up partial view of the eyewear in FIG. 1Cdepicting a flexible printed circuit board routed to resistive probes inthe nose pads.

FIG. 4B is a series of illustrations depicting an example of steps formanufacturing the eyewear with the resistive probes in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a known proximity sensor.

FIG. 5B is an illustration of the proximity sensor in FIG. 5A installedon a frame of example eyewear.

FIG. 5C is another illustration of the proximity sensor in FIG. 5Ainstalled on a temple of example eyewear.

FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the eyewear.

FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of eyewearusing resistive probes.

FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of theeyewear using capacitive probes.

FIG. 6D is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of theeyewear using a proximity sensor.

FIG. 6E is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of theeyewear using a proximity sensor in conjunction withcapacitive/resistive probes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilledin the art that the present teachings may be practiced without suchdetails. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components,and circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, withoutdetail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the presentteachings.

The term “coupled” as used herein refers to any logical, optical,physical or electrical connection, link or the like by which signals orlight produced or supplied by one system element are imparted to anothercoupled element. Unless described otherwise, coupled elements or devicesare not necessarily directly connected to one another and may beseparated by intermediate components, elements or communication mediathat may modify, manipulate or carry the light or signals.

The orientations of the eyewear, associated components and any devicesincorporating a use detector such as shown in any of the drawings, aregiven by way of example only, for illustration and discussion purposes.In operation the eyewear may be oriented in any other direction suitableto the particular application of the eyewear device, for example up,down, sideways, or any other orientation. Also, to the extent usedherein, any directional term, such as front, rear, inwards, outwards,towards, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, up, down, upper, lower,top, bottom and side, are used by way of example only, and are notlimiting as to direction or orientation.

In an example, the eyewear includes an optical element, electroniccomponents having a first mode of operation and a second mode ofoperation, a support structure configured to support the optical elementand the electronic components, the support structure defining a regionfor receiving a head of a user, and a use detector electricallyconnected to the electronic components and supported by the supportstructure, the use detector attached to the support structure andpositioned to monitor when the head of the user is within the region.The electronic components monitor the use detector and transition fromthe first mode of operation to the second mode of operation when the usedetector senses the head of the user within the region.

The electronic components may have a relatively low power consumptionlevel when in the first mode of operation (e.g., a low power mode) andmay have a higher power consumption level when in the second mode ofoperation (e.g., a normal mode of operation). By detecting when theeyewear is currently being worn, the electronic components of theeyewear are able to automatically transition between modes, therebyproviding the ability to conserve energy and extend battery life. Theelectronic components may have a third mode of operation (e.g., an offor sleep mode of operation) in which the electronic components consumeeven less power than the first mode of operation. As used herein, theterm “eyewear” refers to any smart optical device having a supportstructure that is worn by a user including but not limited to smartglasses, smart goggles, and display screens.

FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of example eyewear 12. Theillustrated eyewear 12 includes a support structure 13 that has temples14A and 14B and a frame 16. Eyewear 12 additionally includes articulatedjoints 18A and 18B, electronic components 20A and 20B, and core wires22A, 22B and 24.

Support structure 13 is configured to support one or more opticalelements within a field of view of a user when worn by the user. Forexample, frame 16 is configured to support the one or more opticalelements. As used herein, the term “optical elements” refers to lenses,transparent pieces of glass or plastic, projectors, screens, displaysand other devices for presenting visual images or through which visualimages may be perceived by a user. In an embodiment, respective temples14A and 14B connect to frame 16 at respective articulated joints 18A and18B. The illustrated temples 14A and 14B are elongate members havingcore wires 22A and 22B extending longitudinally therein.

Temple 14A is illustrated in a wearable condition and temple 14B isillustrated in the collapsed condition in FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 1A,articulated joint 18A connects temple 14A to a right end portion 26A offrame 16. Similarly, articulated joint 18B connects temple 14B to a leftend portion 26B of frame 16. The right end portion 26A of frame 16includes a housing that carries the electronic components 20A therein,and left end portion 26B also includes a housing that carries electroniccomponents 20B therein.

Core wire 22A is embedded within a plastics material or other materialthat includes an outer cap of temple 14A and extends longitudinally fromadjacent articulated joint 18A toward a second longitudinal end oftemple 14A. Similarly, core wire 22B is embedded within a plasticsmaterial or other material that includes an outer cap of temple 14B andextends longitudinally from adjacent articulated joint 18B toward asecond longitudinal end of temple 14B. Core wire 24 extends from theright end portion (terminating adjacent electronic components 20A) toleft end portion 26B (terminating adjacent electronic components 20B).

Electronic components 20A and 20B are carried by support structure 13(e.g., by either or both of temple(s) 14A, 14B and/or frame 16).Electronic components 20A and 20B include a power source, power andcommunication related circuitry, communication devices, display devices,a computer, a memory, modules, and/or the like (not shown). Electroniccomponents 20A and 20B may also include a camera/microphone 10 forcapturing images and/or videos, and indicator LEDs 11 indicating theoperational state of eyewear 12.

In one example, temples 14A and 14B and frame 16 are constructed of aplastics material, cellulosic plastic (e.g., cellulosic acetate), aneco-plastic material, a thermoplastic material, or the like in additionto core wires 22A, 22B and 24 embedded therein. Core wires 22A, 22B and24 provide structural integrity to support structure 13 (i.e., temple(s)14A, 14B and/or frame 16). Additionally, core wires 22A, 22B and/or 24act as a heat sink to transfer heat generated by electronic components20A and 20B away therefrom so as to reduce the likelihood of localizedheating adjacent electronic components 20A and 20B. As such, core wires22A, 22B and/or 24 are thermally coupled to the heat source to provide aheat sink for the heat source. Core wires 22A and 22B and/or 24 areconstructed of a relatively flexible conductive metal or metal alloymaterial such as one or more of an aluminum, an alloy of aluminum,alloys of nickel-silver, and a stainless steel, for example.

The support structure 13 defines a region 50 that receives at least aportion of the head of the user (e.g., the nose) when the eyewear 12 isworn. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the support structure 13 may defineother regions (e.g., region 52 defined by the frame 12 and temples 14Aand 14B) for receiving other portion (e.g., the main portion) of thehead of the user. The defined region(s) are one or more regionscontaining at least a portion of the head of a user that are encompassedby, surrounded by, adjacent, and/or near the support structure when theuser is wearing the eyewear 12.

FIG. 1C depicts another perspective view of eyewear 12 with atransparent frame 16 for illustration purposes. Eyewear 12 includesonboard electronics 20A and 20B (e.g. camera, microphone, LEDs, wirelesstransceiver, etc.). In addition, eyewear 12 includes sensors installedat one or more locations throughout frame 16 and/or temples 14A and 14B.For example, sensors may be installed in at least one of nose pads 34Aand 34B, the housing of electronics 20A (see sensor 28A), temple areas30A and 30B (see sensor 28B), etc. These sensors may include probes withelectrodes, proximity sensors or the like, and may be coupled toelectronics 20A and 20B, e.g., through one or more flexible printedcircuit boards (FPCBs).

FPCBs, as shown in FIG. 1C, are routed through various portions of frame16 and temples 14A and 14B to electrically connect these electronics 20Aand 20B to the sensors. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, FPCB 26A(primary FPCB) is routed through frame 16 to electrically connectelectronics 20A and 20B together. Other FPCBs (secondary FPCB) may alsobe routed through the frame and temples. For example, secondary FPCBs26B and 26C extend from main FPCB 26A to sensors (e.g. probes) embeddedinto nose pads 34A and 34B. In another example, FPCB 26D extends fromelectronics 20A to sensor 28B (e.g., a probe) embedded into temple area30A. Although not shown, another FPCB extends from electronics 20B to asensor embedded into temple area 30B. The use of secondary FPCBs allowother electronic devices (e.g. sensors and the like) to be embedded atvarious locations throughout the structure of eyewear 12. The sensorsare positioned to provide a way for detecting when eyewear 12 is beingworn by a user.

FPCBs 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D include one or more electrical traces forrouting electrical signals between the electronic components and thesensors. These FPCBs may be embedded in the frame and temples of eyewear12 during the manufacturing process.

For example, during a first shot of a two-shot molding process, plasticis injected into a mold to form the front half of frame 16 and/or temple14A. After forming the front halves, the FPCBs, along with anyelectronic components are inserted and positioned within the mold atlocations with respect to the front halves. During a second shot of thetwo-shot molding process, more plastic is injected into the mold tocover the components and form the back half of frame 16 or temple 14Asuch that the FPCBs and electronics are embedded between the front andback halves of frame 16 and/or temple 14A. After the frame and bothtemples are formed using the molding process, they are mechanicallyconnected together (e.g. with screws) to form the finished eyewear 12.

As described above, embedding sensors into frame 16 and/or temples 14Aand 14B allow eyewear 12 to detect when they are being worn (e.g.positioned on a user's head). Various types of sensors can be used andpositioned in various locations on frame 16 and/or temples 14A and 14Bto accomplish this feature. Further details of embodiments of varioussensor types/placement and the control of the eyewear based on thesesensors are described below.

Electronic components 20A and 20B, along with sensors (e.g. resistiveprobes, capacitive probes and/or proximity sensors) are supported by thesupport structure 13, e.g., are embedded into frame 16 and/or temples14A and 14B of eyewear 12. These electronic components and sensors areconnected using FPCBs.

FIG. 1D is a block diagram of example electronic components 20A and 20B.The illustrated electronic components 20A and 20B include controller 100(e.g. lower power processor, image processor, etc.) for controlling thevarious devices in eyewear 12, wireless module (e.g. Bluetooth™) 102 forfacilitating communication between eyewear 12 and a client device (e.g.Smartphone), power circuit 104 (e.g. battery, filter, etc.) for poweringeyewear 12, flash storage 106 for storing data (e.g. images, video,image processing software, etc.), LEDs 108 (e.g. colored LEDs) forproviding information to the user, button 110 (e.g. momentary pushbutton) for triggering eyewear 12 to capture images/video,camera/microphone 112 for capturing images/video and sound, and aphysical activity sensor 113 (e.g., accelerometer sensing movement,button such as button 110 pressed by user, switch incorporated into ahinge to detect when a respective temple is moved from a collapsedcondition to a wearable condition, etc.).

Wireless module 102 may connect with a client device such as asmartphone, tablet, phablet, laptop computer, desktop computer,networked appliance, access point device, or any other such devicecapable of connecting with wireless module 102. These connections may beimplemented, for example, using any combination of Bluetooth, BluetoothLE, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, a cellular modem, and a near fieldcommunication system, as well as multiple instances of any of thesesystems. Communication may include transferring software updates,images, videos, sound between eyewear 12 and the client device (e.g.images captured by eyewear 12 may be uploaded to a smartphone).

Camera/microphone 112 for capturing the images/video may include digitalcamera elements such as a charge coupled device, a lens, or any otherlight capturing elements that may be used to capture image data.Camera/microphone 112 includes a microphone having a transducer forconverting sound into an electrical signal.

Button 110 may be a physical button that, when depressed, sends a userinput signal to controller 100. A depression of button 110 for apredetermined period of time (e.g., three seconds) may be processed bycontroller 100 as a request to turn on eyewear 12 (e.g., transitioneyewear 12 from an off or sleep mode of operation to a low power mode ofoperation).

Controller 100 is a controller that controls the electronic components.For example, controller 100 includes circuitry to receive signals fromcamera 112 and process those signals into a format suitable for storagein memory 106. Controller 100 is structured such that it may be poweredon and booted to operate in a normal operational mode, or to enter asleep mode. Depending on various power design elements controller 100may still consume a small amount of power even when it is in an offstate and/or a sleep state. This power will, however, be negligiblecompared to the power used by controller 100 when it is in an on stateand will also have a negligible impact on battery life.

In one example embodiment, controller 100 includes a microprocessorintegrated circuit (IC) customized for processing sensor data fromcamera 112, along with volatile memory used by the microprocessor tooperate. The memory may store software code for execution by controller100. For example, the software code may instruct controller 100 tocontrol the mode of operation of the electronic components.

Each of the electronic components require power to operate. As describedabove, power circuit 104 that may include a battery (not shown), powerconverter and distribution circuitry (not shown). The battery may be arechargeable battery such as lithium-ion or the like. Power converterand distribution circuitry may include electrical components forfiltering and/or converting voltages for powering the various electroniccomponents.

LEDs 108, among other uses, may be used as indicators on eyewear 12 toindicate a number of functions. For example, LEDs 108 may illuminateeach time the user presses button 110 to indicate that eyewear 12 isrecording images and/or video and/or sound. These LEDs may be located atlocation 20B as shown in FIG. 1A.

In addition to the electronic components described above, controller 100also couples to use detector 101. Use detector 101 includes one or moresensors such as resistive probes 114, capacitive probe(s) 116 and/orproximity sensors 118 connected to controller 100 for monitoring theregion and sensing when a user's head is within the region. Thesesensors receive signals from and transmit signals to controller 100indicating whether eyewear 12 is being worn by the user.

Sensors 114, 116 and/or 118 may be placed at locations on supportstructure 13 for sensing at least a portion of the head of the user(e.g., the user's head or features thereof). Controller 100 of theeyewear 12 may automatically control the operational mode of eyewear 12using information obtained from the sensors. For example, eyewear 12 mayuse these sensors to detect whether or not eyewear 12 is being worn bythe user. If the sensors sense the presence of an object (e.g., theuser's head or features thereof), the output of the sensor indicatesthat the eyewear 12 is being worn. The eyewear 12 then enters ormaintains a normal operational mode. If the sensors do not sense thepresence of an object (e.g., the user's head or features thereof), thesensor output indicates the eyewear 12 is not being worn. The eyewear 12then enters or maintains a low power mode (e.g., a sleep mode) in orderto conserve battery power.

FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of eyewear 12 in FIG. 1C showingan FPCB 26A routed through the frame. This FPCB 26A is the primary FPCBin eyewear 12, and electrically connects electronics 20A withelectronics 20B. Secondary FPCBs (not shown) may be used to positionsensors such as sensors 114, 116, and/or 118 at various locations insupport structure 13 of eyewear 12.

For example, sensors 114, 116 and/or 118 may be embedded in one or morenose pads of eyewear 12 to sense the user's nose when eyewear 12 isbeing worn. FIG. 3A depicts a close-up partial view of eyewear 12 inFIG. 1C, where secondary FPCB 26B extends from main FPCB 26A and isrouted to sensor 300 located in one of the nose pads. In one example,sensor 300 may be a capacitive probe 116 that changes its capacitancewhen near or in contact with the nose of the user. The capacitance ofsensor 300 affects characteristics (e.g., frequency) of an electricalsignal (e.g., oscillating signal) applied to capacitive electrodes (notshown). For example, primary FPCB 26A and secondary FPCB 26B may pass anelectrical signal under control of controller 100 from electronics 20Ato sensor 300. Controller 100 analyzes this electrical signal todetermine whether eyewear 12 is being worn.

To reduce power consumption when attempting to detect the user's nose,control electronics 20A (e.g., controller 100) may periodically send(e.g., every 3 seconds) an oscillating electrical signal to thecapacitance probe via the FPCBs rather than continuously applying asignal. Electronic components 20A then monitor the frequency of thissignal. When the user is not wearing eyewear 12, capacitance sensor 300has a capacitance value (C1) that electronic components 20A interpret aseyewear 12 that is not being worn by the user. When the user is wearingeyewear 12, the user's nose enters the region defined by the supportstructure and contacts an electrode (not shown) of capacitance sensor300. Due to this interaction, the capacitance of capacitance sensorincreases to C2, which affects the frequency of the oscillatingelectrical signal applied thereto. The electronic components 20Ainterpret this change in frequency as eyewear 12 that is being worn bythe user.

Determining when the user is wearing or not wearing eyewear 12 isbeneficial for various applications. One such application is powerconservation. For example, the determination may be used to control theoperational state of eyewear 12 to conserve battery power when theeyewear is not being worn. In accordance with this example, whenelectronic components 20A (e.g., via sensors 114, 116 and/or 118 andcontroller 100) detect that the user is wearing eyewear 12, theoperational state is set to a normal mode of operation. When electroniccomponents 20A (e.g., via sensors 114, 116 and/or 118 and controller100) detect that the user is not wearing eyewear 12, however, theoperational state is set to a lower power mode (e.g., sleep mode) wherebattery power is conserved.

FIG. 3B depicts a series of illustrations depicting steps formanufacturing capacitive nose probe 300 (e.g., capacitive sensor 300 inFIG. 3A). In a first step 310, capacitive electrodes 300A and 300B aremounted (e.g., soldered, adhered, etc.) onto a portion of FPCB 302. In asecond step 311, the capacitive nose probe is covered with a nose pad34B (e.g., elastomer). In a third step 312, a molding process (e.g.,two-shot molding process) embeds nose probe 300 and nose pad 34B intoframe 16.

Although FIGS. 3A and 3B show embedding of a capacitive probe (e.g.,capacitive probe 116) into frame 16, other sensors may be used. Forexample, FIG. 4A depicts a close-up view of eyewear 12 in FIG. 1C withresistive sensors (e.g., resistive probes 114) in the nose pads. In FIG.4A, secondary FPCBs 26B and 26C both extend from primary FPCB 26A toresistive sensors 400A and 400B (e.g., resistive probes 114) locatedwithin the nose pads.

In this example, resistive sensors 400A and 400B sense the resistancethrough the user's nose when eyewear 12 is being worn. For example,during operation, control electronics 20A (e.g., controller 100) mayperiodically apply (e.g., every 3 seconds) an electrical signal, via theFPCBs, to resistive electrodes 400A and 400B and a sensing resistor (notshown) wired in series with the electrodes. Electronics 20A (e.g.,controller 100) then monitors the voltage between resistive electrodes400A and 400B or across the sensing resistor. For example, when the useris not wearing eyewear 12, the voltage between resistive electrodes 400Aand 400B is an open circuit voltage (V1) and the voltage across thesensing resistor is 0 v which is interpreted by electronics 20A (e.g.,controller 100) to indicate that eyewear 12 is not being worn by theuser. When the user is wearing eyewear 12, the user's nose comes intocontact with resistive electrodes 400A and 400B thereby completing thecircuit and allowing current to flow. As a small amount of unperceivablecurrent flows through the user's nose, the voltage divides acrossresistive electrodes 400A and 400B and the sensing resistor. Electroniccomponents 20A (e.g., controller 100) interpret this change in voltagebetween resistive electrodes 400A and 400B and across the sensingresistor as eyewear 12 that is being worn by the user.

FIG. 4B is a series of illustrations depicting example steps formanufacturing resistive nose probes (e.g., 400A; FIG. 4A). In a firststep 410, nose probe electrode 404 is mounted (e.g., soldered, adhered,etc.) onto a portion of FPCB 402. In a second step 411, nose probeelectrode 404 is partially covered with a nose pad 406 (e.g.,elastomer). A portion of nose probe electrode 404, however, is stillexposed which allows for contact with the user's nose. In a third step412, nose probe electrode and the nose pad are embedded into frame 16during the molding (e.g., two-shot molding) process.

In another embodiment, a proximity sensor may be used to sense ifeyewear 12 is being worn by the user. For example, proximity sensor 500shown in FIG. 4B is an infrared (IR) transceiver that includes an IRtransmitter 504, IR receiver 502 and electrical terminals 506/508.Proximity sensor 500 emits an IR signal from IR transmitter 504, sensesa reflection of the transmitted IR signal and generates a signal that isresponsive to whether a reflection is received (i.e., whether an objectsuch as the user is present). If no object is present in front of IRtransmitter 504, then no reflection is received by IR receiver 502. Ifan object is present, however, IR receiver 502 receives a reflection andgenerates a signal indicating that the user is present.

Proximity sensor 500 in FIG. 5A may be positioned at various locationson frame 16 or temples 14A and 14B for sensing the presence of theuser's head. For example, FIG. 5B depicts a view of proximity sensor 500embedded into frame 16 at a location where electronic components 20A arehoused. In this example, proximity sensor 500 is mounted to, andelectrically connected to a PCB within electronic components 20A.Proximity sensor 500 is positioned to direct the IR transmitter/receivertowards where the user's head would be located when the eyewear is worn.The housing of electronic components 20A may also include an opening ora transparent section 510 that allows the IR light from proximity sensor500 to enter and exit the housing.

During operation, electronic components 20A control the IR transmitterof proximity sensor 500 to periodically emit an IR signal. When the useris not wearing eyewear 12, the IR signal is not reflected back toproximity sensor 500 which therefore does not produce an outputelectrical signal. Control electronics 20A interprets the lack of theoutput electrical signal as an indication (e.g., logic 0) that the useris not wearing eyewear 12. When the user is wearing eyewear 12, however,the IR signal is reflected off of the user's head and received by the IRreceiver of proximity sensor 500. This action changes the conductivityof IR receiver (e.g., photo resistor) to produce an output electricalsignal from proximity sensor 500. Control electronics 20A receives thisoutput electrical signal and interprets it as an indication (e.g.,logic 1) that the user is wearing eyewear 12.

Although FIG. 5B depicts proximity sensor 500 embedded into frame 16with electronic components 20A, other installation locations arepossible. In one example (not shown), proximity sensor 500 may beembedded in the nose pad of eyewear 12 similar to the capacitive probeshown in FIG. 3A. In this example, proximity sensor 500 senses thepresence of absence of the user's nose to indicate whether eyewear 12 isbeing worn or not. In yet another example, shown in FIG. 5C, proximitysensor 500 is embedded in the temple of eyewear 12. FPCB 26D extendsfrom electronic components 20A to proximity sensor 500 located on aportion of temple 14A. Although FIG. 5C depicts proximity sensor 500mounted to the end of temple 14A, it is also possible to mount proximitysensor 500 to any portion along temple 14A or on temple 14B not shown,as long as proximity sensor 500 is aimed in a direction to sense theuser's head when eyewear 12 is worn.

The various connections between controller 100 and the other electroniccomponents including the sensors shown in FIG. 1D are accomplishedthrough wires, PCBs and FPCBs. These electrical connections are routedthrough various portions of frame 16 and/or temples 14A and 14B duringthe manufacturing (e.g., two-shot molding) process. Once eyewear 12 ismanufactured, these electrical connections are fully embedded in theeyewear and may or may not be visible to the user based on the opacityof the manufacturing material.

The overall structure and operation of eyewear 12 has been describedabove. Further details regarding the operation of eyewear 12 will now bedescribed with respect to various flowcharts.

In a first example, FIG. 6A depicts a flow chart of the operation ofeyewear such as eyewear 12 (FIG. 1 ) in which electronic componentstransition between modes of operation when at least a portion of a headof a user is within a region defined by a support structure of theeyewear. At step 601, the region is monitored. Use detector 101 maymonitor the defined region with a sensor positioned on the supportstructure. At step 602, at least a portion of a head of a user isdetected in the region defined by the support structure of the eyewear.Controller 100 may detect when the at least the portion of the head issensed within the region based on output from the use detector 101. Atstep 603, the eyewear transitions from a first mode of operation to asecond mode of operation when the at least the portion of the head ofthe user is detected within the region. Controller 100 may transitionelectronic components of eyewear 12 to the second mode of operation whenthe user's head is detected. The process may be repeated (e.g., everythree seconds).

In a second example, FIG. 6B depicts a flowchart of the operation ofeyewear 12 using resistive probes 114 to detect if the eyewear is beingworn by the user. In step 604, controller 100 periodically applies avoltage across resistive probes 114 and measures the voltage across asensing resistor (not shown) wired in series with resistive probes 114.Then, in step 605, controller 100 compares the measured voltage to athreshold. The threshold may be set at a value based on the expectedvoltage division between the sensing resistor and the resistance of auser's nose (i.e., the sensing resistor and the resistance of a user'snose are a series circuit). If the voltage across the sensing resistoris not above the threshold, controller 100 determines that there is anopen circuit between resistive probes 114 due to the absence of theuser's nose (i.e., no current is flowing between the resistive probes).Thus, controller 100 enters or maintains a sleep mode in step 606. If,however, the voltage across the sensing resistor is above the threshold,controller 100 determines that there is a closed circuit betweenresistive probes 114 due to contact with the user's nose (i.e., currentis flowing between the resistive probes). Thus, controller 100 enters ormaintains a normal operational mode in step 607.

In a third example, FIG. 6C depicts a flowchart of the operation ofeyewear 12 using a capacitive probe 116 to detect if the eyewear isbeing worn by the user. In step 608 controller 100 periodically appliesan oscillating voltage across capacitive electrodes of capacitive probe116 and measures the frequency of the oscillating voltage or the chargetime of the capacitor which corresponds to the capacitance of the probe.Then in step 610, controller 100 compares the measured value to athreshold. The threshold may be set at a frequency and/or time valuebased on the expected frequency of the oscillating voltage or time ofcharge due to the presence of a user's nose. If the frequency of theoscillating voltage or the charge time is not above the threshold,controller 100 determines that the capacitance of capacitive probe isnot altered due to the absence of the user's nose (i.e., the capacitanceis due to the probes). Thus, controller 100 enters or maintains a sleepmode in step 612. If, however, the frequency of the oscillating voltageor the charge time of the capacitor is above the threshold, controller100 determines that the capacitance of capacitive probe has been altered(increased) due to the presence of the user's nose in the region definedby the support structure (i.e., the capacitance increase is due to thecombination of the probes and the user's nose). Thus, controller 100enters or maintains a normal operational mode in step 614.

In a fourth example, FIG. 6D depicts a flowchart of the operation ofeyewear 12 using a proximity sensor 118 to detect if the eyewear isbeing worn by the user. In step 616, controller 100 periodicallycontrols proximity sensor 118 to transmit an IR signal. Then in step618, controller 100 determines when proximity sensor 118 receives areflection of the IR signal. If a reflection is not received, controller100 determines that the lack of reflection is due to the absence of theuser's head (e.g., nose) in the region defined by the support structurefor receiving the head of the user. Thus, controller 100 enters ormaintains a sleep mode in step 620. If, however, a reflection isreceived, controller 100 determines that the reflection is due to thepresence of the user's head (e.g., nose). Thus, controller 100 enters ormaintains a normal operational mode in step 622.

In a fifth example, FIG. 6E depicts a flowchart of the operation ofeyewear 12 using a proximity sensor 118 in conjunction with resistiveprobes 114 or capacitive probe 116 to detect if the eyewear is beingworn by the user. In step 624 controller 100 periodically controlsproximity sensor 118 to transmit an IR signal, and periodically appliesan oscillating voltage across capacitive electrodes of capacitive probe116 and measures the frequency of the oscillating voltage or charge timeof the probe which corresponds to the capacitance of the probe. Then instep 626, controller 100 determines if a reflection of the IR signal isreceived by proximity sensor 118 and compares the measured frequency ofthe oscillating voltage or the charge time to a threshold. If thereflection is received and the frequency or charge time is above thethreshold, controller 100 determines that a user is wearing the eyewearand enters or maintains a normal operational mode in step 630. If,however, the reflection is not received and/or the frequency or chargetime is not above the threshold, controller determines that the user isnot wearing the eyewear and enters or maintains a sleep mode in step628.

The steps in FIGS. 6A-6E may be performed by the controller 100 of theelectronic components upon loading and executing software code orinstructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readablemedium, such as on a magnetic medium, e.g., a computer hard drive, anoptical medium, e.g., an optical disc, solid-state memory, e.g., flashmemory, or other storage media known in the art. Thus, any of thefunctionality performed by the controller described herein, such as thesteps in FIGS. 6A-6E, may be implemented in software code orinstructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readablemedium. Upon loading and executing such software code or instructions bythe controller, the controller may perform any of the functionality ofthe controller described herein, including the steps in FIGS. 6A-6Edescribed herein.

It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein havethe ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions withrespect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and studyexcept where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be usedsolely to distinguish one entity or action from another withoutnecessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or orderbetween such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” “including,” or any other variation thereof, are intended tocover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article,or apparatus that comprises or includes a list of elements or steps doesnot include only those elements or steps but may include other elementsor steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “a” or “an” does not,without further constraints, preclude the existence of additionalidentical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus thatcomprises the element.

Unless otherwise stated, any and all measurements, values, ratings,positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are setforth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, areapproximate, not exact. Such amounts are intended to have a reasonablerange that is consistent with the functions to which they relate andwith what is customary in the art to which they pertain. For example,unless expressly stated otherwise, a parameter value or the like mayvary by as much as ±10% from the stated amount.

In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen thatvarious features are grouped together in various examples for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed examplesrequire more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, the subject matter to be protected liesin less than all features of any single disclosed example. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subjectmatter.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the bestmode and other examples, it is understood that various modifications maybe made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may beimplemented in various forms and examples, and that they may be appliedin numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein.It is intended by the following claims to claim any and allmodifications and variations that fall within the true scope of thepresent concepts.

1. Eyewear comprising: an optical element; electronic componentsincluding a sensor that senses physical activity related to the eyewearand a controller, the electronic components having a first mode ofoperation, a second mode of operation, and a third mode of operation; asupport structure configured to support the optical element and theelectronic components, the support structure defining a region forreceiving at least a portion of a head of a user; and a use detectorelectrically connected to the electronic components and attached to thesupport structure and positioned to sense when the head of the user iswithin the region, wherein the controller monitors the use detector andtransitions from the first mode of operation to the second mode ofoperation when the use detector senses that at least the portion of thehead of the user is within the region and monitors the sensor andtransitions from the third mode of operation to the first mode ofoperation when the physical activity is sensed by the sensor.
 2. Theeyewear of claim 1, further comprising a nose pad, the use detectorcomprising a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connecting the usedetector to the electronic components, a second sensor mounted on theFPCB, and a third sensor mounted on the FPCB, at least one of the secondsensor or the third sensor being located within the nose pad or coveredby the nose pad and embedded into the support structure.
 3. The eyewearof claim 2, wherein the FPCB extends from the electronic components tothe use detector through the support structure.
 4. The eyewear of claim1, wherein the support structure comprises: a frame; and templesconnected to the frame, at least one of the frame or the templesdefining the region for receiving the at least the portion of the headof the user.
 5. The eyewear of claim 4, wherein the sensor is embeddedin at least one of the temples connected to the frame and iselectrically connected to the electronic components and supported by thesupport structure, the sensor being attached to the support structureand positioned to detect when the at least the portion of the head ofthe user is within the region, wherein the controller transitions fromthe first mode of operation to the second mode of operation when boththe use detector and the sensor detect that at least the portion of thehead of the user is within the region.
 6. The eyewear of claim 1,wherein the use detector comprises at least one of a capacitive probe, aresistive probe, or a proximity sensor.
 7. The eyewear of claim 1,wherein the electronic components are configured to periodically applyan oscillatory electrical signal to the use detector and monitor theapplied oscillatory electrical signal to determine when the at least theportion of the head of the user is within the region.
 8. The eyewear ofclaim 7, wherein the controller is configured to apply a voltage betweenthe second and third sensors and to determine when the at least theportion of the head of the user is within the region when a sensingvoltage between the second and third sensors is below a threshold value.9. The eyewear of claim 2, wherein the second sensor comprises a firstcapacitive electrode mounted on the FPCB, and the third sensor comprisesa second capacitive electrode mounted on the FPCB, the second sensor,third sensor, and FPCB forming a capacitive probe supported by thesupport structure, and the controller is configured to apply anoscillating signal, monitor an amplitude of the oscillating signal, anddetermine when the at least the portion of the head of the user iswithin the region when the monitored amplitude is below a thresholdvalue.
 10. The eyewear of claim 5, wherein the sensor comprises: aproximity sensor embedded in the at least one of the temples, theproximity sensor configured to transmit a signal, receive a reflectionof the signal when the at least the portion of the head of the user iswithin the region, and produce a value corresponding to the receivedreflection, wherein the controller is configured to instruct theproximity sensor to transmit the signal, interpret the valuecorresponding to the received reflection, and determine when the atleast the portion of the head of the user is within the region when theinterpreted value is within a predefined range.
 11. The eyewear of claim10, wherein the proximity sensor is an infrared (IR) transceiver thattransmits an IR signal and receives a reflection of the IR signal whenthe at least the portion of the head of the user is within the region.12. The eyewear of claim 1, wherein when the electronic components arein the first mode of operation the electronic components have a firstpower consumption level, when the electronic components are in thesecond mode of operation the electronic components have a second powerconsumption level that is higher than the first power consumption level,and when the electronic components are in the third mode of operationthe electronic components have a third power consumption level that islower than the first power consumption level.
 13. An eyewear controlmethod comprising: monitoring, with a use detector, a region defined bya support structure of eyewear, the region for receiving at least aportion of a head of a user of the eyewear; transitioning electroniccomponents of the eyewear from a first mode of operation to a secondmode of operation when at least the portion of the head of the user isdetected within the region; sensing, with a sensor, physical activityrelated to the eyewear; and transitioning the electronic components froma third mode of operation to the first mode of operation when a physicalactivity is sensed.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the sensor isembedded in at least one temple connected to a frame of the eyewear andis electrically connected to the electronic components and supported bythe frame, the sensor being positioned to detect when the at least theportion of the head of the user is within the region, whereintransitioning the electronic components from the first mode of operationto the second mode of operation comprises transitioning a controller ofthe electronic components from the first mode of operation to the secondmode of operation when both the use detector and the sensor detect thatat least the portion of the head of the user is within the region. 15.The method of claim 14, wherein the use detector comprises a flexibleprinted circuit board (FPCB) connecting the use detector to theelectronic components, a second sensor mounted on the FPCB, and a thirdsensor mounted on the FPCB, at least one of the second sensor or thethird sensor being embedded into the frame of the eyewear, wherein thesecond sensor comprises a first capacitive electrode mounted on theFPCB, and the third sensor comprises a second capacitive electrodemounted on the FPCB, the second sensor, third sensor, and FPCB forming acapacitive probe, and wherein the monitoring comprises: applying anoscillating signal to the capacitive probe; and sensing an amplitude ofthe oscillating signal, the sensed amplitude indicative of whether theportion of the head of the user is in the region.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the first mode of operation has a power consumptionlevel that is lower than the second mode of operation and higher thanthe third mode of operation.
 17. A non-transitory computer-readablemedium storing program code for controlling eyewear, wherein the programcode, when executed, is operative to cause an electronic processor toperform the steps of: monitoring, with a use detector, a region definedby a support structure of eyewear, the region for receiving at least aportion of a head of a user of the eyewear; transitioning electroniccomponents of the eyewear from a first mode of operation to a secondmode of operation when at least the portion of the head of the user isdetected within the region; sensing, with a sensor, physical activityrelated to the eyewear; and transitioning the electronic components froma third mode of operation to the first mode of operation when a physicalactivity is sensed.
 18. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumstoring the program code of claim 17, wherein the sensor is embedded inat least one temple connected to a frame of the eyewear and iselectrically connected to the electronic components and supported by theframe, the sensor being positioned to detect when the at least theportion of the head of the user is within the region, whereintransitioning the electronic components from the first mode of operationto the second mode of operation comprises transitioning a controller ofthe electronic components from the first mode of operation to the secondmode of operation when both the use detector and the sensor detect thatat least the portion of the head of the user is within the region. 19.The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing the program code ofclaim 18, wherein the use detector comprises a flexible printed circuitboard (FPCB) connecting the use detector to the electronic components, asecond sensor mounted on the FPCB, and a third sensor mounted on theFPCB, at least one of the second sensor or the third sensor beingembedded into the frame of the eyewear, wherein the second sensorcomprises a first capacitive electrode mounted on the FPCB, and thethird sensor comprises a second capacitive electrode mounted on theFPCB, the second sensor, third sensor, and FPCB forming a capacitiveprobe, and wherein the monitoring comprises: applying an oscillatingsignal to the capacitive probe; and sensing an amplitude of theoscillating signal, the sensed amplitude indicative of whether theportion of the head of the user is in the region.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing the program code of claim 17, whereinthe first mode of operation has a power consumption level that is lowerthan the second mode of operation and higher than the third mode ofoperation.